Debbie Davies/Robin Rogers co-headline festival

Move over, guys. It’s the ladies’ turn in the spotlight this year as the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society presents the 24 th Annual Carolina Blues Festival, in association with YES! Weekly, Saturday, May 8 at Festival Park, downtown Greensboro.

Two of the top nationally touring female blues artists will co-headline and perform together at the Carolina Blues Festival: guitarist/vocalist Debbie Davies and singer/harp player Robin Rogers.

One of the world’s hottest blues guitarists, Tinsley Ellis, will make his first appearance at the Carolina Blues Festival. Also on the bill this year is Raleigh-based retro blues guitarist Matt Walsh, and the two winners of the 2009 PBPS Blues Challenge, Greensboro’s Charlley Ward Band and Richmond, Va.-based duo Sleepy-Eyed Jay and Chicago Slim.

The Carolina Blues Festival is the closing event in the annual week long EMF Jazz & Blues Series.

There are three parking decks within easy walking distance of the festival and it’s all free during the weekend. There is plentiful parking on the streets as well. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, folding chairs, blankets or beach towels. No chairs will be provided.

Advance tickets are $18.00, and will be available from March 25 through May 7. On May 8 tickets will be $30 at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free day of show. Visit www.piedmontblues.org or www.carolinatheatre.com for online ticket sales. Tickets are also available at the Carolina Theatre Box office, 310 S. Greene St., downtown Greensboro, or charge by phone by calling 336.333.2605. Tickets will also be on sale at the Bank of Oak Ridge (four locations; 2102 N. Elm St., 1597 New Garden Road, Greensboro; 4423 Highway 220 North,